Gang and gun violence top of mind for voters, in fast-growing Abbotsford
Posted October 9, 2018 5:00 am.
Last Updated October 18, 2018 11:50 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – It’s the fifth-largest city in B.C., with a population that’s growing faster than ever thanks to sky-high housing prices around Metro Vancouver.
High housing costs have pushed people to Abbotsford, with its population set to increase from 140,000 up to 200,000 over the next 20 years.
Independent Mayor Henry Braun is hoping to break the city’s streak of electing one-term mayors. He’s running for a second term and says as communities grow, those running for council and the mayor’s seat need to provide solutions.
‘Densification is an issue for some people because their neighbourhoods are changing. But guess what? We’re the fifth largest city in the province and there will be change. The question becomes: How is that change going to happen? Is the change going to manage us or will we be able manage that change?”
For those living in the city, the issue of gang and gun violence remains a major concern. Police have started a number of programs at elementary and high schools attempting to educate young people.
Last year, Abbotsford-Mission had the second-highest murder rate in all of Canada, and recorded a 31 per cent increase in sexual assaults.
Transportation also weighs on the minds of those who commute via Highway 1. Braun says in order to keep things moving smoothly, major developments need to be made.
“That freeway was built when I was 14 years old and it’s still a two-lane freeway.”
Back in 2014, Braun was named mayor by a margin of less than 600 votes, and this election race might be just as uncertain. He has to beat out five other candidates, including current city councillor Moe Gill.
A lot of new faces in the mayoral race, including local pro-wrestler Trevor Eros who’s hoping to target young voters.
Eric Nyvall, Gerda Peachey, and Nadine Snow are also attempting to grab the top spot.
Voters in Abbotsford will elect one mayor, eight councillors, and seven school trustees.
